Vehicle liquid monitoring system and method

ABSTRACT

A vehicle liquid testing system includes a liquid testing apparatus with a form factor of a dipstick. The system includes a sensor that detects a property of a fluid in a vehicle and emits a signal indicative of the property. A transmitter receives the signal from the sensor and transmits the signal. A controller receives the signal from the transmitter and compares the signal from the sensor to a threshold level to determine a condition of the fluid.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/204,426, entitled “Vehicle Liquid Monitoring System and Method,”filed Nov. 29, 2018, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/593,201, entitled “Vehicle LiquidMonitoring System and Method,” filed Nov. 30, 2017. These applicationsare hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties for allpurposes.

BACKGROUND

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects ofart that may be related to various aspects of the presently describedembodiments. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing thereader with background information to facilitate a better understandingof the various aspects of the present embodiments. Accordingly, itshould be understood that these statements are to be read in this light,and not as admissions of prior art.

The majority of vehicles driven today include an internal combustionengine. The internal combustion engine produces power by combusting afuel, typically gasoline or diesel. In order to combust the fuel, thefuel is mixed with air and injected into a piston cylinder. The pistoncylinder compresses the fuel air mixture, which is ignited either by aspark in a gasoline engine or by compression in a diesel engine.Ignition of the fuel air mixture creates a pressure wave that thendrives the piston, while simultaneously generating significant amountsof thermal energy. These moving parts are lubricated to keep the engineproperly operating. More specifically, lubrication of the engine blocksengine seizure, reduces friction, and reduces thermal energy buildupthat may cause premature wear of engine components. Vehicles usinginternal combustion engines therefore include fluid systems to lubricateand cool various components on the vehicle.

SUMMARY

A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is set forth below. Itshould be understood that these aspects are presented merely to providethe reader with a brief summary of these certain embodiments and thatthese aspects are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.Indeed, this disclosure may encompass a variety of aspects that may notbe set forth below.

In an embodiment, a vehicle liquid testing system includes a liquidtesting apparatus with a form factor of a dipstick. The liquid testingapparatus is inserted into a dipstick conduit of a vehicle. The liquidtesting apparatus includes a sensor that detects a property of a fluidin the vehicle and emits a signal indicative of the property. Atransmitter receives the signal from the sensor and transmits thesignal.

In another embodiment, a vehicle liquid testing system includes a liquidtesting apparatus. The liquid testing apparatus includes a sensor thatdetects a property of a fluid in a vehicle and emits a signal indicativeof the property. A transmitter receives the signal from the sensor andtransmits the signal. A controller receives the signal from thetransmitter and compares the signal from the sensor to a threshold levelto determine a condition of the fluid.

In another embodiment, a liquid testing apparatus has a form factor of adipstick. The liquid testing apparatus includes a sensor that detects aproperty of a fluid in a vehicle and emits a signal indicative of theproperty. A controller receives the signal from the sensor and comparesthe signal from the sensor to a threshold level to determine a conditionof the fluid. The apparatus includes a power source that powers thesensor and/or the controller.

Various refinements of the features noted above may exist in relation tovarious aspects of the present disclosure. Further features may also beincorporated in these various aspects as well. These refinements andadditional features may exist individually or in any combination. Forinstance, various features discussed below in relation to one or more ofthe illustrated embodiments may be incorporated into any of theabove-described aspects of the present disclosure alone or in anycombination. The brief summary presented above is intended only tofamiliarize the reader with certain aspects and contexts of embodimentsof the present disclosure without limitation to the claimed subjectmatter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an overhead perspective view of a vehicle engine witha vehicle liquid testing system, in accordance with embodimentsdescribed herein;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid testing apparatushaving a form factor of a traditional dipstick, in accordance withembodiments described herein;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a liquid testingapparatus, in accordance with embodiments described herein;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a liquid testingapparatus, in accordance with embodiments described herein; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a liquid testingapparatus, in accordance with embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments illustratedin the accompanying drawings and figures. In the following detaileddescription, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, it will be apparentto one of ordinary skill in the art that embodiments may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods,procedures, components, have not been described in detail so as not tounnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc.may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements shouldnot be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguishone element from another. For example, a first object could be termed asecond object, and, similarly, a second object could be termed a firstobject, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in thedescription and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and“the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless thecontext clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that theterm “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and possiblecombinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will befurther understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, operations, elements, components,and/or groups thereof. Further, as used herein, the term “if” may beconstrued to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or“in response to detecting,” depending on the context

As explained above, the internal combustion engine produces power bycombusting a fuel, typically gasoline or diesel. The combustion of thefuel creates thermal energy and drives movement of various engine parts,such as pistons, the crankshaft, the camshaft, and the transmission.These moving parts are lubricated to keep the vehicle properlyoperating. More specifically, lubrication of engine parts blocks engineseizure, reduces friction, and reduces thermal energy buildup that maycause premature wear of engine components. Vehicles using internalcombustion engines therefore include various fluids to lubricate and/orcool components on the vehicle. These fluids may include motor oil,automatic transaxle oil, coolant, and power steering fluid.

During operation, these lubricating fluids are typically pumped with apump through various passages in the engine, transmission, and othersystems. For example, various passages in the engine block maydistribute oil to various parts of the engine such as the pistons,bearings, and valves. As these fluids flow through and around componentsof the vehicle, they reduce friction, reduce heat generation, andprotect various components of the vehicle.

Over time, these vehicle fluids may break down from thermal energy,contamination, etc. For this reason, the vehicle fluids are replaced ona regular basis. Current methods for determining when to change avehicle's fluids may be done manually with what is colloquially referredto as a “dipstick.” The dipstick is a rod that enables a user to checkoil levels, transmission fluid levels, power steering fluid levels,coolant levels, and brake fluid levels. The dipstick may also allow auser to visually inspect and/or touch a sample of fluid that clings toan end of the dipstick. Information provided by the dipstick is valuablein that it enables the user to visually determine if there is anadequate supply of vehicle fluid as well as whether the fluid hasdegraded and is therefore incapable of providing adequate protection.Another method of determining when to change vehicle fluids may be doneby monitoring mileage driven since the last change. For example, a usermay replace the engine oil after driving 7,500 miles regardless of thecondition of the oil. Unfortunately, many drivers fail to adequatelymonitor fluid levels in their vehicles due to the cumbersome andtypically dirty task of manually checking the fluid. Moreover, visualinspection of the vehicle fluids may not accurately determine thecondition of the vehicle fluids such as the presence of chemicals andparticulate.

FIG. 1 illustrates an overhead perspective view of a vehicle engine 10with a liquid testing system 12 (e.g., vehicle liquid testing system).In operation, the liquid testing system 12 enables automatic as well ascontinuous testing/monitoring of one or more vehicle fluids in theengine 10. In other words, the liquid testing system 12 may enable auser to determine the level and/or quality of the engine oil, automatictransaxle fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and brake fluid withoutmanually checking a dipstick. The liquid testing system 12 may includeone or more liquid testing apparatuses 14 that contact respective fluidsstored on the vehicle 10.

In some engines 10, the engine 10 may include conduits 16 that receivedipsticks. For example, the engine 10 may include a conduit 16 thatleads to chamber containing motor oil or automatic transaxle fluid. Theliquid testing apparatus 14 may have a form factor of a dipstick. Inother words, certain dimensions of the liquid testing apparatus 14correspond to the dimensions of a traditional dipstick so that theliquid testing apparatus 14 can be positioned in place of a traditionaldipstick and coordinate with other features (e.g., the conduit 16)designed to coordinate with the traditional dipstick. Accordingly,vehicles may be retrofitted with the liquid testing system 12 byremoving the original dipstick and replacing it with the liquid testingapparatus 14.

In order to detect the quality of the fluid as well as fluid levels, theliquid testing apparatus 14 may include multiple sensors capable ofdetecting particulates, viscosity, temperature, oil level, flow rate,contamination (e.g., chemical contamination), etc. As the liquid testingapparatus 14 senses the condition of the fluid, the liquid testingapparatus 14 transmits signals to one or more controllers 18. Thesecontrollers 18 may be located on the vehicle 10, on the liquid testapparatus (i.e., dipstick), and/or remotely located (e.g., car repairshop). For example, a mechanic may insert the liquid testing apparatus14 into the engine during a routine checkup of the vehicle.

In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 18 includes a processor20, such as the illustrated microprocessor, and a memory device 22. Thecontroller 18 may also include one or more storage devices and/or othersuitable components. The processor 20 may be used to execute software,such as software for comparing electrical signals from the liquidtesting apparatus 14 to threshold levels for determining a fluid leveland/or quality. Moreover, the processor 20 may include multiplemicroprocessors, one or more “general-purpose” microprocessors, one ormore special-purpose microprocessors, and/or one or more applicationspecific integrated circuits (ASICS), or some combination thereof. Forexample, the processor 20 may include one or more reduced instructionset (RISC) processors.

The memory device 22 may include a volatile memory, such as randomaccess memory (RAM), and/or a nonvolatile memory, such as read-onlymemory (ROM). The memory device 22 may store a variety of informationand may be used for various purposes. For example, the memory device 22may store processor executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software)for the processor 20 to execute, such as instructions for comparing oneor more signals from the liquid testing apparatus 14 to threshold levelsfor determining a fluid level and/or quality. The storage device(s)(e.g., nonvolatile memory) may include ROM, flash memory, a hard drive,or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium,or a combination thereof. The storage device(s) may store data,instructions, and any other suitable data.

In operation, the liquid testing apparatus 14 uses one or more sensorsto detect one or more properties of a fluid inside of the vehicle/engine10. As the sensors detect these properties, the liquid testing apparatus14 transmits signals indicative of those properties to one or morecontrollers 18. The transmission of the signals may be done throughwired networks (e.g., cables) and/or through wireless networks (e.g.,Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular). The controllers 18 then determine thequality of the fluid and/or level of the fluid by comparing the detectedproperty to a threshold level/condition.

For example, if one of the sensors on the liquid testing apparatus 14 isa temperature sensor, the controller 18 compares the detectedtemperature of the fluid and compares it to a threshold temperature. Ifthe temperature of the fluid (e.g. motor oil) is greater than thethreshold temperature, the controller 18 may emit/transmit a warningsignal to a user interface within the vehicle to warn thedriver/operator of a problem. In another example, the liquid testingapparatus 14 may include a particulate sensor capable of detecting oneor more particulates such as metal pieces, dirt, sludge, etc. in thefluid. This information may then be transferred to the controller 18where it is compared against a threshold level of particulate matter forproperly operating fluid. If the amount of particulate in the fluid isgreater than a threshold level, the controller 18 may againemit/transmit a warning signal to a user interface indicating that thefluid is losing its ability to lubricate and/or cool engine components(i.e., particulate buildup may be due to wear of engine components).Other sensors used by the liquid testing system 12 may include viscositysensors, flow rate sensors, chemical sensors, etc. that likewise measurea particular characteristic of the fluid that is then compared to athreshold level by the controller 18.

As the sensors detect the condition of the fluid, the information istransmitted directly from the liquid testing apparatus 14 to thecontroller 18. In this way, the liquid testing system 12 is able tocontinuously monitor the fluid and advise/warn the driver and/ormechanic of any potential problems before excessive wear of engineparts. In some embodiments, the controller 18 may transmit informationabout one or more fluids (e.g., fluid condition) to one or moreelectronic devices 24. The electronic device 24 may be a monitor on thevehicle (e.g., dashboard monitor, dashboard screen), a mobile electronicdevice (e.g., cellphone, tablet, laptop), or another computer (e.g.,mechanic's computer). The transmitted information displayed on theelectronic device 24 may be technical and/or generic. For example,generic information may include an estimated mileage until the nextfluid change, estimated drive time until the next fluid change, fluidlevels (e.g., high, low, just right). Examples of more technicalinformation that may be displayed may include viscosity, particulatecount, acidity, sludge content, detergent content, additive content(e.g., antiwear, dispersants, viscosity improvers), among others.

In some embodiments, the liquid testing apparatus 14 may power thesensors using an external power source such as a battery 26 and/oralternator. In some embodiments, the liquid testing apparatus 14 maypower the sensors using a power generator on the liquid testingapparatus 14 such as piezoelectric generators, etc. And in still otherembodiments, the liquid testing apparatus 14 may receive power from botha power generator on the liquid testing apparatus 14 as well as from abattery 26 and/or alternator. Depending on the power generationcapabilities of the power generator on the liquid testing apparatus 14,the liquid testing apparatus 14 may also provide power to the battery 26(i.e., recharge).

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a liquidtesting apparatus 14 having a form factor of a dipstick. The liquidtesting apparatus 14 includes a shaft 40 coupled to a handle/housingportion 42. The shaft 40 defines a length 44 that enables the liquidtesting apparatus 14 to extend through a conduit 16 to enable thesensors 46 to contact a fluid within a compartment (e.g., oil pan). Inparticular, the shaft 40 has a form factor of a dipstick to facilitateengagement with traditional ports (e.g., the conduit 16) for dipsticks,which facilitates retrofitting with traditional vehicles. While thehandle/housing portion 42 includes one or more transmitters 48 capableof transmitting signals from the sensors 46 to the controller(s) 18. Insome embodiments, the liquid testing apparatus 14 may include a ring 50that facilitates retrieval of the liquid testing apparatus 14 from theconduit 16. For example, the liquid testing apparatus 14 may be used bya mechanic to test the condition of a fluid in the engine 10 duringperiodic maintenance and the ring 50 may facilitate placement andretrieval of the liquid testing apparatus 14 from the conduit 16 orother compartment. The ring 50 may similarly be used by drivers tofacilitate retrieval and placement of the liquid testing apparatus 14.For example, some drivers may desire to physically view the fluid and/orverify the fluid levels in the engine 10 in combination with receivingelectronic feedback from the sensors 46.

Some of the possible sensors 46 on the liquid testing apparatus 14include temperature sensors, flow rate sensors, contamination sensors(e.g. chemical sensors), particulate sensors, viscosity sensors, fluidlevel sensors, etc. Each of these sensors 46 provides feedback regardingthe quality of the fluid enabling the liquid testing system 12 to alerta driver and/or mechanic to the development of potential problems in theengine 10 as well as alert the driver/mechanic that the fluid needs tobe changed. For example, a temperature sensor may indicate whether thefluid is operating at a temperature that will result in rapiddegradation of the fluid, thus enabling the driver to investigate thecause before excess wear on engine parts occurs. A contamination sensormay also provide useful feedback by detecting undesirable chemicals inthe fluid (e.g., acids in motor oil). An excess concentration of thesechemicals may similarly result in excess wear on engine parts.Particulate sensors detect particulates such as metal particulate, dirt,sludge, etc. in the fluid. The detection of metal and/or otherparticulate in the fluid may indicate that the fluid is not properlylubricating and thus friction between metal parts is beginning to wearthe parts. The detection of sludge may also indicate excessive use ofthe fluid (e.g., sludge may be created when oil breaks down). Viscositysensors detect the viscosity of the fluid. Over time, a fluid may breakdown due to the harsh operating conditions within the engine 10. As thefluid breaks down, the viscosity of the fluid may change. For example, aless viscous oil flows more easily and may be less capable of coatingand lubricating engine parts. A fluid level sensor detects the amount ofcirculating fluid in the engine 10. Low levels of a fluid may reducelubrication of engine parts and/or the ability of the fluid to coolparts of the engine. Accordingly, detecting low levels of fluidcirculating through the engine may block premature wear of engine parts.

In one embodiment, in order to power these sensors 46 and thetransmitter 48 that transmits the information to a controller 18, theliquid testing apparatus 14 includes a power generator 52. In someembodiments, the power generator 52 may also provide power to thevehicle, for example by recharging the battery 26 (seen in FIG. 1 ). Thetypes of power generators 52 will be discussed in more detail below, butmay include piezoelectric generators and turbines.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a liquid testingapparatus 14. As illustrated, the sensors 46 may be embedded within theshaft 40 of the liquid testing apparatus 14. For example, the sensors 46may be flush with an exterior surface 100 of the shaft 40. By embeddingthe sensors 46 within the shaft 40, the liquid testing apparatus 14 mayfacilitate insertion of the shaft 40 into a conduit 16 of the engine 10.Placement of the sensors 46 within the shaft 40 may also reduce contactbetween the conduit 16 and the sensors 46 during insertion of the liquidtesting apparatus 14.

As explained above, the liquid testing apparatus 14 may include a powergenerator 52 capable of generating power to power the sensors 46 as wellas the transmitter 48. For example, one of the sensors 46 may be anoptical sensor 70. The optical sensor 70 includes a transmitter 72(e.g., light emitting diode) and a receiver 74. In operation, thetransmitter 72 emits light at one or more wavelengths into the fluidsurrounding the shaft 40. As the light contacts the fluid, a portion ofthat light is reflected and is detected by the receiver 74. The amountof light detected and/or the wavelength of the light detected may thenbe used to determine characteristics of the fluid (e.g., viscosity,particulate content, fluid level).

In order to power the optical sensor 70 as well as other sensors 46, theliquid testing apparatus 14 includes the power generator 52. In FIG. 3 ,the power generator 52 includes multiple piezoelectric generators 76. Inoperation, as fluid moves past the shaft 40 of the liquid testingapparatus 14 (e.g., due to pumping by an oil pump), the shaft 40 maybend and flex in axial directions 78 and 80. The bending and flexing ofthe shaft 40 mechanically deforms the piezoelectric generators 76 and asthe piezoelectric material of the piezoelectric generators 76mechanically deforms they generate electricity. The liquid testingapparatus 14 then uses this electrical power to power the sensors 46 aswell as the transmitter 48. In some embodiments, power generated by thepower generator 52 may also facilitate recharging of the vehicle'sbattery 24 and/or power other components on the vehicle. In someembodiments, the shaft 40 defines/includes a flap 90 that likewise movesin response to the flow of fluid through the engine 10. The flap 90 maycouple to one or more piezoelectric generators 52 that then generateelectricity as the flap 90 moves and mechanically deforms thepiezoelectric material of the piezoelectric generators 52.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a liquid testingapparatus 14. In some embodiments, the sensors 46 may be coupled to anexterior surface 100 of the shaft 40, which may facilitate replacementof the sensors 46. As explained above, the liquid testing apparatus 14may include a power generator 52 capable of generating power to powerthe sensors 46 as well as the transmitter 48. For example, the shaft 40may define an aperture 102 that receives blade(s) 104 coupled to a shaft106. As the fluid pump drives fluid through engine 10, some of the fluidflows through the aperture 102, which contacts the blade(s) 104 causingthe blade(s) 104 to spin about the axis 108 of the shaft 40 incircumferential directions 110 or 112. As the blade(s) 104 rotate aboutthe shaft 106, one or more magnets 114, coupled to the shaft 106, rotatewithin a coil 116 producing electrical power. The liquid testingapparatus 14 then uses this electrical power to power the sensors 46 andthe transmitter 48. In some embodiments, power generated by the powergenerator 52 may also facilitate recharging of the vehicle's battery 24and/or power other components on the vehicle.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a liquid testingapparatus 14 with a power generator 52. As illustrated, the shaft 40 maydefine an aperture 102 that receives a blade 130 coupled to a shaft 132.As the fluid pump drives fluid through the engine 10, it flows throughthe aperture 102 contacting the blade 130 causing the blade 130 to spinabout the axis 134 in circumferential directions 136 or 138. As theblade 130 rotates, it rotates one or more magnets 140 coupled to theblade 130. As the magnets 140 rotate, they generate an electromagneticfield in a coil 142 surrounding the magnets 140, which produceselectrical power. The liquid testing apparatus 14 then uses thiselectrical power to operate the sensors 46 and the transmitter 48. Insome embodiments, power generated by the power generator 52 may alsofacilitate recharging of the vehicle's battery 24 and/or power othercomponents on the vehicle.

The technical effects of the systems and methods described hereininclude a vehicle liquid testing system that uses a liquid testingapparatus to detect characteristics of a vehicle fluid. The vehicleliquid testing system also includes a controller capable of monitoringthose characteristics and advising a vehicle owner and/or mechanic ofpossible problems. This controller could be integral with the liquidtesting apparatus, which may have form factors of a traditional dipsticksuch that the liquid testing apparatus can be inserted into a dipstickreceptacle for retrofitting. Typical form factors of a dipstick are alength between 5 and 24 inches, and a width between 0.02 and 0.3 inches.As noted herein, the liquid testing apparatus 14 may have a dipstickform factor. For example, the shaft 40 may have dimensions correspondingto those of a typical form factor for a traditional dipstick.

As used herein, the terms “inner” and “outer”; “up” and “down”; “upper”and “lower”; “upward” and “downward”; “above” and “below”; “inward” and“outward”; and other like terms as used herein refer to relativepositions to one another and are not intended to denote a particulardirection or spatial orientation. The terms “couple,” “coupled,”“connect,” “connection,” “connected,” “in connection with,” and“connecting” refer to “in direct connection with” or “in connection withvia one or more intermediate elements or members.”

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has beendescribed with reference to specific embodiments. However, theillustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many modificationsand variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Moreover,the order in which the elements of the methods described herein areillustrate and described may be re-arranged, and/or two or more elementsmay occur simultaneously. The embodiments were chosen and described inorder to best explain the principals of the disclosure and its practicalapplications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to bestutilize the disclosure and various embodiments with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A vehicle liquid testing system, comprising: a liquid testing apparatus comprising a body that houses a sensor, a controller, a transmitter, and a power generator, wherein at least a flexible portion of the body is configured to flex and be inserted into a conduit of a vehicle, and wherein: the sensor is configured to generate data indicative of a condition of a fluid in the conduit of the vehicle; the controller is configured to receive the data from the sensor and to analyze the data from the sensor to determine the condition of the fluid; the transmitter is communicatively coupled to the controller and is configured to transmit an alert to an external device in response to the condition of the fluid meeting a criteria, wherein the external device is separate from the liquid testing apparatus; and the power generator comprises a piezoelectric material configured to generate power due to deformation of the flexible portion of the body caused by the fluid moving past the flexible portion of the body in the conduit of the vehicle while the vehicle is in operation, and to provide the power to the sensor, the controller, the transmitter, or a combination thereof.
 2. The vehicle liquid testing system of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a form factor of a dipstick.
 3. The vehicle liquid testing system of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a shaft portion and a handle portion, the shaft portion is configured to be inserted into the conduit of the vehicle and houses the sensor, and the handle portion is configured to remain outside of the conduit of the vehicle and houses the transmitter.
 4. The vehicle liquid testing system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to generate the data indicative of the condition of the fluid in the conduit of the vehicle during operation of the vehicle, and the controller is configured to receive the data from the sensor and to analyze the data from the sensor to determine the condition of the fluid during the operation of the vehicle.
 5. The vehicle liquid testing system of claim 4, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit the alert to the external device during the operation of the vehicle.
 6. The vehicle liquid testing system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to generate the data indicative of the condition of the fluid in the conduit of the vehicle while the liquid testing apparatus is inserted into the conduit of the vehicle, and the controller is configured to receive the data from the sensor and to analyze the data from the sensor to determine the condition of the fluid while the liquid testing apparatus is inserted into the conduit of the vehicle.
 7. The vehicle liquid testing system of claim 6, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit the alert to the external device while the liquid testing apparatus is inserted into the conduit of the vehicle.
 8. The vehicle liquid testing system of claim 1, wherein the external device comprises a dashboard screen of the vehicle, and the dashboard screen is positioned to enable a driver of the vehicle to visualize the alert during operation of the vehicle.
 9. The vehicle liquid testing system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to generate the data and the controller is configured to receive and to analyze the data continuously during operation of the vehicle, and the controller is configured to instruct the transmitter to transmit the alert to the external device in response to the condition of the fluid exceeding a threshold during the operation of the vehicle to enable a driver of the vehicle to receive the alert during the operation of the vehicle.
 10. The vehicle liquid testing system of claim 1, wherein the power generator is configured to provide the power to an external battery that is separate from the liquid testing apparatus.
 11. The vehicle liquid testing system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a flow rate sensor.
 12. A liquid testing apparatus configured to be inserted into a conduit of a vehicle, the liquid testing apparatus comprising: a housing comprising: a sensor within the housing, wherein the sensor is configured to generate data indicative of a property of a fluid in the conduit of the vehicle; a transmitter within the housing, wherein the transmitter is configured to wirelessly transmit information related to the property of the fluid based on the data to an external device that is outside of the housing; and a power generator within the housing, wherein the power generator comprises a piezoelectric generator coupled to a flexible portion of the liquid testing apparatus that, when mechanically deformed in response to a flow of the fluid through the conduit, provides power to the sensor, the transmitter, or both.
 13. The liquid testing apparatus of claim 12, wherein the information comprises the data.
 14. The liquid testing apparatus of claim 12, comprising a controller within the housing, wherein the controller is configured to analyze the data to determine a condition of the fluid and to instruct the transmitter to transmit the information to the external device in response to the condition of the fluid being outside of a range.
 15. The liquid testing apparatus of claim 12, wherein the housing comprises a form factor of a dipstick.
 16. The liquid testing apparatus of claim 12, wherein the sensor is a flow rate sensor.
 17. A liquid testing apparatus with a form factor of a dipstick, the liquid testing apparatus comprising: a housing comprising: a plurality of sensors within the housing, wherein the plurality of sensors is configured to detect a plurality of properties of a fluid in a vehicle and to emit data indicative of each of the plurality of properties; a controller within the housing, wherein the controller is configured to: receive the data from the plurality of sensors; analyze the data from the plurality of sensors; and compare the data from the plurality of sensors to one or more threshold levels to determine a condition of the fluid, wherein the plurality of properties comprises fluid levels, particulates, viscosity, temperature, flow rate, and contamination; and a power source within the housing, wherein the power source is configured to power the plurality of sensors, the controller, or both, wherein the power source comprises a power generator with a piezoelectric material along a flexible portion of the housing, and wherein the power generator is configured to generate power due to deformation of the flexible portion of the housing caused by the fluid moving past the flexible portion of the housing.
 18. The liquid testing apparatus of claim 17, comprising a transmitter within the housing, wherein the controller is configured to instruct the transmitter to wirelessly transmit an alert to an external device that is separate from the liquid testing apparatus and the vehicle in response to determining that the data exceeds the threshold level. 